Who would you like to see “come out” as positive role models? [in DC/MOTU series]

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Who would you like to see “come out” as positive role models? [in DC/MOTU series]

Which MOTU characters would you like to see “come out” as positive role models?
[If DC comic license continues...]

We here at the org, are all mature, reasonable adults, capable of respectful and civil discussion, right? (I mean, this doesn't need to be a “protected” thread, right?)

So at first I was thinking this topic may be a bit premature...but then I realized, once the 6-issue DC MOTU comic mini-series coming next month proves to be a HUGE success (which I'm sure it will be), we are likely to get an additional longer-term, and/or more short-term MOTU licensed series, and therefore, character and story development for those potential comics would have to begin...well, now!

That said, and given the current national, and even global, positive trends towards a social majority of acceptance, or at least tolerance, in general, of gays/GLBT people in society, spawning more and more real life, as well as fictional, gay role models “coming out of the closet” almost weekly it seems (e.g. President Barack Obama affirming support of Gay marriage, DC's the new 52's Green Lantern, former NFL player Wade Davis coming out/speaking out on national TV...) I feel that now is the perfect time to 'revisit' the idea of some of our favorite MOTU characters “coming out” and becoming the latest examples of fictional, positive gay role models!

...And what better platform to tell these types of mature-oriented storylines than in a new “licensed” mainly adult-aimed comic series, like the forthcoming series from DC?!

Now let's not take this the wrong way. I mean eventually, and gradually, these types of storylines could be introduced, such as in the second year maybe, after we reintroduce and reestablish many of our favorite and main MOTU characters back into the comic world mainstream; Meaning, I'm not saying let's 'force' these types of storylines on readers (nor in terms of a 'forced' story) in the first issue of a potential second series or continuation of the series coming next month, but maybe, beyond that first series, the seedlings (or subtle hints) could begin to be planted....

Ok. Hopefully that was enough of a preface, to now get on to the meat of the topic here: Who?

Who would you – the die-hard fans here – like to see come out of the Eternian or Etherian proverbial closet?

(And since DC is apparently free to use any and all existing MOTU characters, including the current and upcoming MOTUC characters/figures, I'd say that they're all fair game for this topic.)

Personally, I have long championed for He-Man becoming the first openly gay mainstream fictional hero/role model, but unfortunately, that just seems very unlikely to happen, at least in the very near future anyway, for what seems to be obvious reasons (...Mattel “Inc.). However, if Mattel actually, um, “had the balls” to do that, well heck, I'd be in full support!

But the first character that came to mind after posing this question to myself again after not really thinking about it for a few years, was Count Marzo. I can envision his evilness stemming from bitterness and fear of others possible ridicules of that side of him, along with his own sadness and nonacceptance of himself, leading him down the wrong paths until finally one day when he “sees the light” – possibly through a found lover/partner – and becomes a hero and joins the heroic Masters of the Universe! Heck, he could even eventually fall back to the dark side, thereby exhibiting a constant struggle within himself, that mirrors the real life struggles and behaviors that some gay people, young and old, experience.

So that's just one idea of mine of “who” I could see as being portrayed as gay/GLBT and “how,” in a possible continuing MOTU licensed comic storyline...so what say you all?

I really am interested to read what ideas you all have, and how you feel about this in general. There really are so many possibilities!

From Princess of Power, Netossa and Spinnerella are obvious choices. I'd also make Bow gay and Double Trouble bisexual.

From Masters of the Universe? Maybe Tri-Klops. He-Man/Adam definitely. He-Man/Adam having romantic feelings for women never feels right to me in any form of entertainment. To me, it always comes off as more of a friendship thing.

I'd just as soon keep sexuality out of MOTU altogether. Hetero and homosexuality included. Sure, we have a few couplings where necessary, like Randor and Marlena, but only because it furthers the story by creating Adam and Adora. In my opinion, there's no basis for that kind of romantic/sexual storytelling in MOTU at all. We've never had it, and to introduce it now would not be organic - it would go against the feel of the mythos, at least for me. MOTU appeals to that wide-eyed child inside of me, and that kid doesn't want to see ANYONE kissing on Eternia - not boy/girl, boy/boy, or girl/girl.

I'm all for everyone having positive role models, but I just don't think this kind of storyline has any place in MOTU. It would seemed forced, no matter how well it was pulled off.

But I respect everyone else's opinion.

EDIT: I guess there was some romance in She-ra, but I didn't watch that series, and am not really interested in those storylines.

Wasn't TG hinting at some infatuation between Spector and Lazer-Lot in his latest bio?
I think they go very well together.

They are my candidates too, since their bios seemingly make them EXTREMELY important, get them a room too. give em centre stage for EVERYTHING!

but to be honest, I'm not really one for any relationships either. outside of established ones, I don't like romance and sex stuff in my action series. it slows it down for me and weighs down the pace. I mean I know it furthers development, but generally I don't like it and those moments almost always come across as forced.

I also don't like fans/writers projecting their own fantasies on the characters (etc Adam hooking up with Bow, Aquaman hooking up with Wonder Woman, or if you want tonnes of fan made examples, just look at any I wanna call it hentai but it might be sentai)

but to be honest, I'm not really one for any relationships either. outside of established ones, I don't like romance and sex stuff in my action series. it slows it down for me and weighs down the pace. I mean I know it furthers development, but generally I don't like it and those moments almost always come across as forced.

I also don't like fans/writers projecting their own fantasies on the characters (etc Adam hooking up with Bow, Aquaman hooking up with Wonder Woman, or if you want tonnes of fan made examples, just look at any I wanna call it hentai but it might be sentai)

This is my view as well. Romance between Hawkman & Hawkgirl works as that's part of their origin as reincarnated lovers/companions throughout the ages.

I don't care for changing established characters just for the sake of it. That would be like me being a rider of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, becoming a writer for MOTU & making Fisto a biker. He's not a biker. Me changing him into one to match my own lifestyle wouldn't be right. At least not in my own humble opinion. Creating a brand new character though, go for it.

While i don't think the motu story should be over sexualised like some have mentioned i would be fine with a character being gay. simialar to archie comics Kevin Keller, gay character in all ages story.

As long as its an aspect to the character and doesn't define the character i am fine with it.

I would choose Sy-klone myself, not sure why. I feel it wouldn't come across as forced to have him be gay.

Maybe its because James Robinson is righting the comic and he has experience making blue characters gay in a tasteful way... ( you got to be real nerdy to get that joke)

On the one hand, I wouldn't be interested in reading about relationship dramas in any MOTU comics (if I even planned to purchase the comics). But, I wouldn't mind a same-sex couple being introduced/referenced in the same way that I expect King He-Man/Adam and Queen/Sorceress Teela to be referenced (if the comics ever went that far into the future) and in the same way that the marriage between Skeletor/Keldor and Evil-Lynn was referenced in the bios.

As such, my first and foremost candidate would be Bow. It made sense to me that in the cartoon he "loved" She-Ra in much the same way that many gay males (myself included) seem to love powerful heroines like She-Ra, Wonder Woman, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Xena: Warrior Princess. As for Bow's potential love interest, the pickings appear to be pretty slim on Etheria but I'm sure Bow could find someone on Eternia, even if they're not a member of the good "Masters". That typed, I do like eddie's suggestion of Sy-Klone as it seems to "fit". I wouldn't rule out Clamp Champ either. And, if he wasn't snake-fied and dead, even Man-at-Arms (although I do think that would be contrary to those story-lines which indicate a romantic relationship between MAA and the Sorceress).

An interesting approach here would be not just looking at a particular character, but perhaps some of the actual societies or races on Eternia and Etheria. There's no reason to think that all of the myriad cultures we've seen on both planets have the exact same sexual mores, any more than it is true on Earth. Many of the kingdoms on Etheria are highly matriarchal from what we've seen, which could lead to very different roles and perceptions of men and women. Some of these cultures might not only accept but encourage same sex relationships or bisexual choices. As such, it would be the norm in these societies, where the very idea of "coming out" would be something they wouldn't even think of, as such relationships would be considered a completely normal part of your average romantic entanglements.

I don't know if they have the space to get into such things in this short mini-series, but if this leads to an open ended series, it might make for good story fodder to explore said differences that might exist between the cultures we've seen.

Last edited by scott metzger; June 13, 2012 at 11:54am.

"I will use this power for all the good that can be done, to work for peace, to encourage virtue, and above all, to preserve life in all its forms..." Superman

An interesting approach here would be not just looking at a particular character, but perhaps some of the actual societies or races on Eternia and Etheria. There's no reason to think that all of the myriad cultures we've seen on both planets have the exact same sexual mores, any more than it is true on Earth. Many of the kingdoms on Etheria are highly matriarchal from what we've seen, which could lead to very different roles and perceptions of men and women. Some of these cultures might not only accept but encourage same sex relationships or bisexual choices. As such, it would be the norm in these societies, where the very idea of "coming out" would be something they wouldn't even think of, as such relationships would be considered a completely normal part of your average romantic entanglements.

I don't know if they have the space to get into such things in this short mini-series, but if this leads to an open ended series, it might make for good story fodder to explore said differences that might exist between the cultures we've seen.

- - - Updated - - -

An interesting approach here would be not just looking at a particular character, but perhaps some of the actual societies or races on Eternia and Etheria. There's no reason to think that all of the myriad cultures we've seen on both planets have the exact same sexual mores, any more than it is true on Earth. Many of the kingdoms on Etheria are highly matriarchal from what we've seen, which could lead to very different roles and perceptions of men and women. Some of these cultures might not only accept but encourage same sex relationships or bisexual choices. As such, it would be the norm in these societies, where the very idea of "coming out" would be something they wouldn't even think of, as such relationships would be considered a completely normal part of your average romantic entanglements.

I don't know if they have the space to get into such things in this short mini-series, but if this leads to an open ended series, it might make for good story fodder to explore said differences that might exist between the cultures we've seen.

Normally I'm not for this but this could make a great story line.

Have it so the race is mostly male, and there are fewer girls, and woman are just used for breading when a couple wants to have children.

A teen boy who likes a girl, and now he faces reticule and must hide his feelings. He "comes out" thinking and feeling really awkward and he and his significant other must flee. He-Man helps him "come out" from the norm of his people and teaches tolerance to these people.

. . . the very idea of "coming out" would be something they wouldn't even think of, as such relationships would be considered a completely normal part of your average romantic entanglements.

Precisely. The world of Masters of the Universe is incredibly egalitarian. That the Queen is an astronaut, pilot, and scientist, and a young woman is Captain of the Royal Guard, are simply accepted as a matter of fact. It is considered neither unusual or exceptional. In such a world, people are likely to view same-sex romantic relationships as unremarkable as opposite-sex ones. Certainly gay characters exist in this world, but our notions of coming out and conflicts surrounding gay identities do not.

Wasn't TG hinting at some infatuation between Spector and Lazer-Lot in his latest bio?
I think they go very well together.

I would agree with this! I mean there has to be something between the two to squeeze into a "purple" spandex suit!

Originally Posted by Kevenn

Well, obviously, the newest hot couple in the Lore is The Mighty Spectre and Sir Lazer Lot, Dare's fun-loving gay uncles! Both of them "escaped" from the path to find their way into a more tolerant society in the future.

I've always had SyKlone and Roboto as a couple. Something about the way those two interacted in the MYP cartoon worked for me - with SyKlone having no family, and looking for family, but all along, Roboto was the one there for him. It was very sweet.

Netossa & Spinnerella as another couple!

Roboto? He's a Robot! He has no gender. Unless he is rebuilt into a more human appearance. And was like Data from Star Trek TNG.

"I mark the hours every one, Nor have I yet outrun the Sun. My use & value unto you, are gauged by what you have to do."Enscribed onto Hermione Granger's Time Turner from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

When you start shoe horning in sexuality just for cheap media attention or as a "positive" role model, you end up invariably causing the opposite effect. For example, look to the New52 Green Lantern coming out angle- it turned out to come off more as creepy and forced as opposed to responsibly representing a sexual preference or people as a whole. He-Man is a fantasy property and has more mature elements at times but I say leave sex, gore (except Vykron ) and politics out of the equation please.

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Originally Posted by Marvelous0ne

I would agree with this! I mean there has to be something between the two to squeeze into a "purple" spandex suit!

Roboto? He's a Robot! He has no gender. Unless he is rebuilt into a more human appearance. And was like Data from Star Trek TNG.

Even though I assume this is done tongue in cheek, this is the type of silly joking that can actually cause a negative turn when you start getting into sexuality in a popular franchise.

Skeletor. I mean, have you wathed the Filmation cartoon? I think he just needs to realize that what he had with Hordak wasn't wrong or shameful. Just natural and worthy of celebration. Skeletor is living a lie and it's what makes him such a jerk. If he came out he'd find life a lot more fun.

I personally believe that this "sexuality preference" issue be kept away from MOTUC. We are dealing with nostalgia products, as in "we enjoyed this figures at a time in our lives that we just didn't know nor care about sexuality issues" products. So if we take the nostalgia away and make it more real, we'll just kill the magic.

But to keep with the thread, the answer is simple:

Bow - likes more men than women.
She-Ra - As Adora, she likes men, but as She-Ra, she prefers women. (Ooooo - Conflict!)
Catra - Lesbian! I see her as someone who just loves herself too much, and will not feel comfortable having a relationship with a man.
And finally, Queen Marlena - ... Oh! She is Heterosexual. No doubt! But she is from earth... and there was that one time in college...

The problem is that by doing so you morally offend a large portion of the fan base (fans of faith), while leaving it out would simply mean not specifically including a portion of the fan base (LBGT), while also not directly offending their beliefs. If including a gay character(s) strokes a portion of fans, while morally offending an undoubtedly large portion at the same time, it will be bad for business among other things.

This.

If Fisto suddenly comes out as Gay, WHAT is gained? Gay people are ALREADY fans... and anything with a large gay following is already fine enough as is.

Making a favorite character gay isn't going to GAIN as many new fans, as it will LOSE the ones it has. Why the need to alienate the people who DON"T accept that lifestyle in a children's property?

I still think its best left to your own canning rather than something official. Its a toy line based on children's toys...no need for orientation in the BIOS. Can't anything be left alone? Its ridiculous to even bring it up IMO. Why would an adult need a fictional toy role model anyway.